Summary for Captain
The vessel's captain directs the operations and activities of officers and crew on board, including safety, maintenance, certification, documentation, guest services, and compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations and ADC requirements. The Captainis also responsible for preventing pollution and for the safe navigation and efficient operation of the vessel. In executing duties, the Master will comply with the company’s vessel safety manual and all applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulations, and instructions. The Captain ensures the vessel is kept to Alaskan Dream Cruises (ADC) standards, including all applicable regulatory requirements.
Essential Duties & Responsibilities for Captain
- The Emergency Station Bill identifies the Captain as overseeing all persons and activities. Provide leadership and direction to crew and passengers in a drill or an emergency, including fire, flooding, rescue, man overboard, medical incident, and pollution spill.
- Responsible for compliance with company and regulatory agencies' drill content and frequency requirements.
- Keep fully informed of and adhere to all U.S. and other relevant laws, regulations (Federal and state), and directives affecting the vessel's operation. In addition, the Captain shall get acquainted thoroughly with the rules and local requirements of all ports visited.
- Be knowledgeable of and ensure vessel compliance with the company’s Safety Management Program and procedures.
- Draft detailed voyage plans for each itinerary and positioning trip, considering the tools needed by the Officer of the Watch for the safe navigation of the vessel and fulfilling the company's programming objectives; effectively communicate these plans to the Chief Mate and watch-standers and monitor their compliance with them.
- Communicate voyage plans with the Chief Engineer and Hotel Manager so they are prepared for the schedule in their departments.
- Support and guide the Chief Mate, Hotel Manager, Naturalist, and Chief Engineer in managing their department duties and responsibilities. Work with and advise (as necessary) supervisors in seeking and maintaining the highest levels of safety and guest service in their departments. Coach staff and work with them to train subordinates to the highest level.
- Responsible for ensuring that the vessel’s overall condition and seaworthiness are continuously maintained, reporting to the Corporate Office any situation that may adversely affect the vessels' satisfactory operations.
- Maintain the Bridge Logbook, Standing Orders, Night Orders, Radio Logbook, Waste Management Log, ADEC Log, Safety, and Drill Logs, and other manuals and records as prescribed by Alaskan Dream Cruises, Allen Marine Companies, or other applicable regulatory agencies.
- Maintain the vessel’s filing system of essential documents and crew-training records.
- Ensure close communication with the main office in Sitka and outlying offices in the vessel’s operating area on matters related to and specifically on required shore support during turnaround days.
- Communications must always be complete and detailed and delivered in a direct, tactful manner. Written communication must be succinct, truthful, and courteous.
- Monitor vessel expenses & report any abnormal costs incurred. Maintain close contact with the Marine Operations Manager to ensure all cost controls are utilized. Plan to maximize efficiencies, thereby reducing expenses.
- Responsible for accurately and timely submitting any administrative, operational, or accounting reports done by company guidelines. These include, but are not limited to, Incident Report Forms, Witness Statement Forms, and USCG 2692 Forms. Also, maintain a list of Current Vessel Maintenance Projects that need to be addressed on the vessel during the turn-around day with the help of shoreside engineers. Reply promptly to safety or office memorandums.
- Develop required work lists and performance goals for crew members. Ensure the compliance of all on board with company and regulatory policies and regulations. Take a proactive position with any person not following established policy. Address all performance or conduct issues promptly and effectively and keep supervisory management appraised of relevant topics in the office.
- Effective public speaking when addressing guests, crew, or the public, such as the Passenger Safety and Vessel Orientation meeting, announcements on the PA system, and performing public ceremonies on board.
- Maintain a “Command Presence” and courteous, friendly, and informative interactions with the guests—personal appearance and a high degree of customer service by you and the crew are essential, expected, and of the utmost importance.
- Establish a teamwork mentality among all departments focused on displaying a Can-Do Approach to assigned duties.
- Special projects may be assigned as required by the business.
Minimum Qualifications for Captain
- High School Diploma and 2 years as Chief Mate or Captain. Additional 5 years in the maritime industry and involvement in shipboard operations.
- USCG license as Master, 100 GRT (Inland).
- License endorsement required for “Unlimited Radar Observer”.
- First Aid and CPR Certification
- In-depth knowledge of passenger vessel operations.
- Observed or documented managerial skills and personal traits necessary to effectively and efficiently guide the ship’s crewmembersdirectly and respectfully.
- Excellent skills in ship handling.
- Excellent communication skills: verbal and non-verbal.
- Strong writing skills with the ability to communicate technical information, maintain all ship logs and vessel forms, and document vessel operations.
- Strong interpersonal skills require dealing with discontented, argumentative, and emotional crewmembers and passengers professionally while maintaining Alaskan Dream Cruises' high level of service and commitment to its guests.
- Must be experienced at multi-tasking and remain flexible in a demanding and fast-paced environment.
- Microsoft Office experience.
- Valid US driver’s license and a clean driving record.
- Must pass a security background check and DOT drug test.
Preferred Qualifications for Captain
- Experience in tourism and/or cruise industries.
- Endorsement with STCW-95 Basic Safety Training, Bridge Resource Management, and Advanced Fire Fighting.
Traits and Characteristics for Captain
To deliver world-class experiences guided by the following Alaska Native cultural values safely and sustainably.
Embrace Traditional Alaska Native Cultural Values that include Humility and pride, Respect for all people, including oneself, Respect for nature, Humor, Patience, Strength, and Holding each other up.
Follow & Deliver Core Values:
- Safety First: We prioritize our guests and team members' safety and well-being, ensuring secure and enjoyable experiences.
- World-Class Employment: We strive to be a world-class place of employment, valuing hard work, mentorship, a sense of ownership, and opportunities for career growth.
- World Class Guest Services: We are committed to exceeding guest expectations, delivering world-class experiences that showcase our hospitality and the beauty of Alaska.
- Collaborative Professionalism: Embracing collaboration within our organization with a professional spirit, understanding that amidst laughter and play, our dedication to excellence and integrity remains unwavering.
- Community Collaboration: Actively choosing to partner with neighbors and the community across Alaska, making a conscious effort to support local businesses and create social and economic opportunities through meaningful cooperation beyond our organization.
- Sustainability at our core: We are dedicated to sustainable operations for future generations.
- Curiosity & Innovation: We encourage a culture of curiosity and innovation, striving to be early adopters in technology and staying ahead in our commitment to continuous improvement.
- Integrity- Driven Decisions: Integrity guides every decision we make, ensuring transparency, honesty, and ethical conduct in all aspects of our operations.
- Cultural Respect & Sharing: We deeply celebrate and honor our Alaska Native heritage, fostering intergenerational connections, embracing family values, and contributing to the cultural richness of our communities.
Environmental Conditions for Captain
The environmental conditions are those that an employee may be subject to while performing the essential functions of this job.
- May include ambient inside temperature, ambient inside lighting, ambient to loud noise levels, all weather conditions, and occasional use of required protective clothing, including raingear and life preserver.
Physical Demands for Captain
The physical demands are representative of those that an employee must meet to perform the essential functions of this job successfully. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform basic functions.
- Sufficient clarity of speech and hearing or other communication capabilities permit the employee to communicate well with other employees and the public.
- Sufficient vision or other powers of observation which permit the employee to use a computer screen and process numeric data
- Sufficient manual dexterity permits employees to operate a computer keyboard and access files.
- Sufficient personal mobility and physical reflexes permit employees to move about in a ship throughout tight spaces.
- Ability to walk on uneven deck surfaces, crossing from vessel to vessel.
- Occasionally required to lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.
- Must be physically able to work a typical workday of about 10-14 hours per day, seven days a week.
- Physically able to climb a 7-foot vertical ladder and fit through a 28-inch escape hatch.
Work Environment for Captain
The work environment characteristics described here represent those encountered by an employee while performing the essential functions of this job.
- May be required to travel as needed.
- Frequent interaction with other departments
- When onboard, the crew stays in shared quarters with little privacy and constant vibration and engine noise, often for extended periods.
- Due to the remote locations of vessel routes, internet connectivity is limited.
- This is a fast-paced and dynamic work environment with a diverse workforce.
- Ability to work a flexible schedule to include weekends and holidays during the tour season.
- Must adhere to AM Owner Group, & Affiliated Companies, and the United States Coast Guard Consortium Drug & Alcohol Policies & Procedures
